Matchday two will see the running order of fixtures take a change from the usual Group A to Group F format. The game week will be kicked off in Saint Petersburg for Finland v Russia, a match that could see the former confirm a place in the knockout stages in their first ever major tournament. The key matches that you won’t want to miss are England v Scotland in London, Portugal v Germany in Munich and Spain v Poland in Seville.
June 16th
Finland v Russia – Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg – 14:00
Finland won their opening game against Denmark in Copenhagen defying the odds. However, the match was overshadowed by Danish talisman Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest. Looking forward, Finland should have to create more this time around to win the game but there may not be a more perfect opponent to do so against than Russia who looked very shaky in defence against Belgium conceding three times. You would expect Russia will have to avoid defeat in this match to have a chance of progression thanks to their poor goal difference, so they may look to play out a cagey affair. One goal either way is a serious possibility.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Finland: 1.30
Russia: 1.90
(Russia defence after defeat to Belgium: Getty Images)
Turkey v Wales – Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku -17:00
Turkey and Wales are both winless going into match day two, contrastingly to the Finland and Russia matchup this game you can expect to be a great watch. Turkey are an attacking team known for their high goal output scoring 10 goals in three World Cup qualifying games this year and having lost 3-0 to Italy in the tournament’s opening match, they will be looking to boost their goal difference. Wales go into the game with a respectable one point however, they face Italy in their last group match so will be feeling they need a win from this one to progress into the next round. Can Gareth Bale make an impact on the big stage once again?
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Turkey: 2.10
Wales: 2.00
(Gareth Bale in Wales training: Getty Images)
Italy v Switzerland – Stadio Olimpico , Rome -20:00
Italy were perhaps the most impressive team in game week one having swept Turkey aside on the opening night. Mancini’s men look well drilled and comfortable in possession so Switzerland will need to stay disciplined in defence and hope the pace and attacking talent of Embolo (who scored against Wales in Baku) and Shaqiri can give the Italian’s more problems than Turkey managed.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Italy: 1.01
Switzerland: 1.60
(Roberto Mancini runs Italy training session: Getty Images)
June 17th
Ukraine v North Macedonia – National Arena, Bucharest – 14:00
Ukraine and North Macedonia were both losers in their opening games so go into the match in Bucharest in desperate need of points. Andriy Shevchenko’s side have shown they’re capable of scoring goals and impressive ones at that but they will need to shut up shop at the back with the 37-year-old Goran Pandev looking to pounce. The Genoa striker doesn’t need many chances to find the back of the net and proved that in game week one scoring after a defensive mistake by Austria. This game is vital for both teams to get their first points on the board.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Ukraine: 1.30
North Macedonia: 8.00
(Goran Pandev scores against Austria: Getty Images)
Denmark v Belgium – Parken Stadium. Copenhagen – 17:00
It will be interesting to see how Denmark cope with a game of this magnitude following the horrible events involving Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest in their opening game with Finland. Not only could Denmark not be in the right frame of mind to play a match but Eriksen is the team’s talisman who would have been vital for releasing Poulsen and Braithwaite against an ageing Belgium defence. The Belgians were impressive in the 3-0 victory over Russia and Lukaku will be looking to add to his impressive start in search for the golden boot award, which he narrowly lost out to in the World Cup three years prior.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Denmark: 1.70
Belgium: 1.01
(Romelu Lukaku is on two goals after one game at Euro 2020: Getty Images)
Netherlands v Austria – Johan Cruijff ArenA. Amsterdam – 20:00
The day’s final encounter could be the most exciting. The Group C tie between Netherlands and Austria promises goals with both teams scoring three in their opening fixtures. Netherlands look to play from the back and dominate in possession while Austria are a pressing team who cover a lot of distance. As a result of the clashes in style of play we could see a very open game that is very tough to call but expect plenty of goals in Amsterdam.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Netherlands: 1.01
Austria: 1.01
(Austria manager Franco Foda: Getty Images)
June 18th
Sweden v Slovakia – Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg – 14:00
Sweden and Slovakia are both in positive positions ahead of this Group E clash. However, Slovakia will be fancying their chances of picking up another win with circumstances in their favour. Sweden drew their first game with group favourites Spain but were made to work hard in warm conditions in Seville. Contrastingly, Slovakia played the final 20 minutes against 10 men of Poland and their camp is based in the Russian city, expect the already energetic Slovak’s to have another spring in their step.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Sweden: 1.22
Slovakia: 1.22
(Slovakia celebrate in Saint Petersburg: Getty Images)
Croatia v Czech Republic – Hampden Park, Glasgow – 17:00
World Cup finalists from three years ago yet Croatia could see chances of Group D progression fade away if they’re not to get a result in this tie. Luka Modric was unable to inspire his side in a disappointing performance against England and now face more tough opposition in Czech Republic who not only show exceptional quality with the likes of Patrik Schick but tremendous work ethic which saw them defeat Scotland 2-0. Expect a close encounter at Hampden Park with the pressure on Croatia to break the Czech’s stubborn defence down.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Croatia: 1.30
Czech Republic: 1.06
(Luka Modric the Croatia talisman: Getty Images)
England v Scotland – Wembley Stadium, London – 20:00
A rivalry, a derby game, a United Kingdom showdown whatever you want to call it one thing we know is there will be an extra incentive in this match for both teams. England are favourties for the match after beating Croatia and Scotland lost to the Czech Republic. Steve Clarke’s side will look to frustrate the plethora of attacking talent the English team has to offer while looking to be more clinical on the counter than they managed at Hampden Park. Southampton striker Che Adams may come into the Scot’s starting lineup for the extra pace he can offer to give England something to think about defensively. The Three Lions will have plenty of possession so players such as Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish who are capable of key passes and skillful runs in tight spaces will be key.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
England: 1.01
Scotland: 6.00
(England forward Phil Foden in action at Wembley: Getty Images)
June 19th
Hungary v France – Puskás Aréna, Budapest – 14:00
Hungary prop up the Group F standings while France top them going into this match. Despite the gulf in class of the two squads and the differing starts to the tournament, this may not be a walk in the park for Deschamps France side. Hungary will go into the game with little to lose and in the knowledge they can frustrate top teams for prolonged periods. Furthermore, we can look forward to another hostile, amazing atmosphere with the Puskás Aréna the only stadium at 100 % capacity for Euro 2020. However, although there is room for optimism, France’s potent attack will be looking to get their tournament up and running, the likes of Benzema, Mbappe and Griezmann will want the personal as well as team accolades.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Hungary: 15.00
France: 1.01
(Hungary players applaud their fans: Getty Images)
Portugal v Germany – Fußball Arena München, Munich – 17:00
Such is the “Group of Death” Germany will be part of the gameweek’s most anticipated match once again. Despite the attacking talent these two teams share this is set-up to be a cagey affair, Portugal struggled for 80 minutes to breakdown Hungary while Germany never truly threatened France. Portugal will take a pragmatic approach and hope their plethora of creative talent can then produce a chance for the clinical Cristiano Ronaldo who is now just three goals from becoming the all-time leading international goalscorer. Germany may look to change their personnel for this encounter with the likes of Leroy Sane and Timo Werner only featuring from the bench last time out.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Portugal: 1.01
Germany: 1.15
(Germany use their substitutes against France: Getty Images)
Spain v Poland – Estadio La Cartuja, Sevile – 20:00
Both countries will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders to perform in this encounter as is the general consensus of match day two. Poland had a disastrous start to the tournament and were unable to deliver record breaking striker Robert Lewandowski with any service. Furthermore, they will be without experienced midfielder Krychowiak who serves a one match suspension. Luis Enrique will be hoping his side increase the tempo for this encounter; Morata will need to be more clinical in front of goal too as you will expect to see Poland adopt a similar tactic as Sweden to frustrate the home side.
Bet9ja To Qualify from Group EURO2020 odds:
Spain: 1.01
Poland: 3.75
(Alvaro Morata struggles against the Sweden defence: Getty Images)
